KLM and trade unions agree in principle on new collective labor agreement

The unions CNV and FNV have reached a framework agreement with KLM on a new collective labor agreement for ground personnel, according to both the company and the unions. The deal follows mediation by a former minister brought in to revive negotiations after three strikes at Schiphol and multiple court cases, which had led KLM to cancel hundreds of flights.

While the agreement has been reached in principle, the unions must first seek approval from their members. If ratified, KLM will increase wages by 3.25 percent over two years, higher than the 2.25 percent previously negotiated with three other unions, a deal that FNV and CNV had criticized.

Under the final proposal, employees would receive a total of 750 euros in net payments, and the early retirement scheme would be broadened. KLM will also standardize the profit-sharing arrangement to match that of other employees.

John van Dorland of FNV describes the deal as the best that could be achieved, but “still a very modest outcome” to be presented to members as the final offer. CNV representative Souleiman Amallah calls it a positive result. Both union officials note that the industrial actions influenced the outcome. KLM, amid ongoing cost-cutting efforts, expresses satisfaction at having reached an agreement with all five unions.

KLM employs approximately 14,000 ground personnel, who handle duties including baggage loading and unloading, moving aircraft, and helping passengers.